Normandin Mercier Extra Petite Champagne

Nose: The vanillas, caramels and wood notes are more pronounced than in the Grade Champagne which has more floral notes than the petite Champagne – the vanilla is rich and complex, intermingling with caramel and fruit including preserved cherries, dried apricots and raisins. Nutmeg, cloves and mild notes of coconut develop with sweet cigarette tobacco and cedarwood. The distillate itself is heavier than the Grande Champagne, and plagued ever so slightly more by sharp thumps of varnish and treated pine. Within the luscious layers of fruit and vanilla lies something rich and beautiful – at first it is slightly harsh, but as this cognac rests in the glass it develops into something resembling pancakes with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup.